You’re sitting on your porch on a warm Ohio evening when that familiar buzzing fills the air. But did you know that distinctive sound could be coming from any of nine different cicada species?
Ohio hosts both annual cicadas that emerge every summer and the famous 17-year periodical cicadas that create massive choruses during their synchronized emergences.
Understanding which species you’re hearing and seeing can transform your appreciation of these remarkable insects that have been serenading Ohioans for millennia.
Whether you’re curious about the massive dog-day cicada drumming in your oak tree or trying to distinguish between the three periodical species that emerged during the last Brood X event, this guide will help you identify each species by their unique characteristics, preferred habitats, and distinctive calls.
Dog-day Cicada
The dog-day cicada (Neotibicen canicularis) stands as Ohio’s most recognizable summer sound. These robust insects emerge annually during the hottest days of summer, typically appearing from July through September when temperatures soar.
Key Insight: Dog-day cicadas get their name from the ancient “dog days” of summer, originally referring to the period when the star Sirius rises with the sun.
You’ll recognize dog-day cicadas by their substantial size, measuring 1.5 to 2 inches in length with a wingspan reaching nearly 3 inches. Their bodies display a mottled brown and green coloration that provides excellent camouflage against tree bark. The most distinctive feature is their prominent, bulging eyes that appear reddish-brown in sunlight.
These cicadas prefer mature hardwood forests and established neighborhoods with large deciduous trees. Oak, maple, and hickory trees serve as their primary host plants, where females deposit eggs in small branches. You’ll typically hear their loud, pulsating buzz during the hottest parts of summer days, with males creating choruses that can reach 90 decibels.
Pro Tip: Dog-day cicadas are most active during afternoon heat waves. Listen for their characteristic “whirring” call that rises and falls in intensity, often lasting 15-20 seconds.
The nymphs spend 2-5 years underground, feeding on tree roots before emerging to shed their brown exoskeletons on tree trunks, fence posts, and garden structures. Their emergence holes, about the size of a dime, often appear in clusters around mature trees.
Linne’s Cicada
Linne’s cicada (Neotibicen linnei) represents one of Ohio’s most widespread annual species, emerging reliably each summer across diverse habitats throughout the state. Named after the famous taxonomist Carl Linnaeus, these medium-sized cicadas play a crucial role in Ohio’s summer soundscape.
Measuring approximately 1.3 to 1.7 inches long, Linne’s cicadas display a distinctive black body with bright green markings along their thorax and wing veins. Their clear wings show prominent green venation, and their eyes appear dark red to nearly black. The abdomen features subtle yellow-orange bands that become more pronounced in fresh specimens.
Important Note: Linne’s cicadas often get confused with dog-day cicadas, but their smaller size and distinct green markings make identification straightforward once you know what to look for.
These cicadas demonstrate remarkable adaptability, thriving in both urban and rural environments across Ohio’s diverse ecosystems. They show particular preference for mixed hardwood forests containing oak, ash, and maple trees, though they readily adapt to suburban landscapes with mature street trees.
| Comparison Factor | Linne’s Cicada | Dog-day Cicada |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 1.3-1.7 inches | 1.5-2.0 inches |
| Primary Colors | Black with green markings | Mottled brown-green |
| Wing Veins | Bright green | Brown to amber |
| Call Pattern | Sharp, metallic buzz | Pulsating whir |
| Peak Activity | Late afternoon | Mid-day heat |
The distinctive call of Linne’s cicada consists of a sharp, metallic buzzing that differs markedly from the dog-day cicada’s rhythmic pulse. Males typically call from higher branches during late afternoon and early evening hours, creating symphonies that can be heard up to a quarter-mile away.
Scissor Grinder Cicada
The scissor grinder cicada (Neotibicen winnemanna) earns its memorable name from a call that remarkably resembles the sound of sharpening scissors on a grinding wheel. This distinctive audio signature makes it one of Ohio’s most easily identified cicada species by sound alone.
These medium-sized cicadas measure 1.4 to 1.8 inches in length, displaying a predominantly dark brown to black coloration with subtle bronze highlights. Their wings appear clear to slightly smoky, with dark brown veining that creates an intricate pattern. The most distinguishing visual feature is their broad, robust thorax that appears almost square when viewed from above.
Common Mistake: Many people assume all cicada calls sound similar, but the scissor grinder’s mechanical “grinding” noise is unmistakable once you’ve heard it.
Scissor grinder cicadas show strong habitat preferences for open woodlands and forest edges where sunlight penetrates the canopy. They particularly favor areas with scattered oak and hickory trees, often establishing territories along woodland borders adjacent to fields or clearings.
Their emergence timing typically begins in mid-July and extends through early September, with peak activity occurring during late July. Unlike some annual cicadas that prefer the hottest midday hours, scissor grinders often call during cooler morning and evening periods, making their grinding chorus a distinctive part of Ohio’s dawn and dusk soundscapes.
The species demonstrates interesting behavioral patterns, with males often calling from the same general tree locations year after year. This site fidelity means that once you locate a good listening spot for scissor grinder cicadas, you can return to hear them in subsequent summers.
You might wonder why their call sounds so mechanical compared to other cicadas. The unique structure of their sound-producing organs (tymbals) creates rapid, staccato pulses that blend together into that characteristic grinding noise, quite different from the smoother buzzes of their relatives.
Robust Cicada
The robust cicada (Neotibicen robinsonianus) lives up to its name as one of Ohio’s largest and most powerful-sounding annual cicadas. These impressive insects command attention both through their substantial physical presence and their penetrating calls that can dominate summer soundscapes.
Measuring 1.6 to 2.2 inches in body length with wingspans exceeding 3.5 inches, robust cicadas rank among Ohio’s most substantial insects. Their bodies display a rich, dark brown coloration with subtle green overtones, while their wings show a distinctive amber tint with prominent brown veining. The head features particularly large, prominent eyes that appear deep reddish-brown.
Pro Tip: Robust cicadas often emerge slightly earlier than other annual species, sometimes appearing in late June when temperatures consistently reach the upper 80s.
These powerful cicadas demonstrate strong preferences for mature, dense forest habitats with closed canopies. Research indicates they require well-established root systems of large hardwood trees, particularly preferring oak-hickory forests with trees exceeding 12 inches in diameter. This habitat specificity means you’re most likely to encounter robust cicadas in older growth forests rather than suburban or recently developed areas.
Their call represents one of the most impressive acoustic performances in Ohio’s insect world. The sound consists of a deep, resonant buzz that builds in intensity over 20-30 seconds before gradually fading. Multiple males calling together can create choruses audible from over half a mile away, with sound levels reaching nearly 100 decibels at close range.
The emergence process of robust cicadas often creates spectacular displays, with dozens of individuals sometimes emerging from the same general area on warm, humid evenings following summer rainstorms. Their large emergence holes and substantial cast-off skins provide clear evidence of their presence even when the adults aren’t actively calling.
Hieroglyphic Cicada
The hieroglyphic cicada (Neotibicen hieroglyphicus) takes its intriguing name from the distinctive markings on its thorax that resemble ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. These intricate patterns make it one of Ohio’s most visually striking cicada species and a favorite among insect enthusiasts.
Measuring 1.4 to 1.9 inches long, hieroglyphic cicadas display complex coloration that sets them apart from other annual species. Their thorax features bold, angular black markings against a greenish-yellow background, creating patterns that genuinely resemble symbolic writing. The abdomen shows alternating bands of yellow and black, while their clear wings display subtle green veining.
The hieroglyphic cicada demonstrates interesting habitat preferences that differ somewhat from its relatives. These cicadas show particular affinity for river valleys and stream corridors, where they utilize the diverse tree species found in riparian forests. Sycamore, cottonwood, and willow trees often serve as preferred hosts, though they also utilize oak and maple in appropriate locations.
Key Insight: Hieroglyphic cicadas are among the latest emerging annual species, often not appearing until early August and continuing their activity well into October.
| Identification Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Thorax Markings | Angular black patterns resembling hieroglyphs |
| Wing Appearance | Clear with subtle green veining |
| Eye Color | Bright red to orange-red |
| Preferred Habitat | River valleys and stream corridors |
| Call Timing | Late afternoon to early evening |
| Peak Season | August through October |
Their call pattern consists of a series of short, sharp buzzes interspersed with brief pauses, creating a somewhat syncopated rhythm. This irregular timing distinguishes their song from the more consistent patterns of other annual cicadas. Males typically call from mid-level branches, often 15-25 feet above ground, positioning themselves to project their songs across water features.
A common question is whether the markings truly resemble hieroglyphs. While individual interpretation varies, the angular, geometric patterns on their thorax do show remarkable similarity to certain Egyptian symbols, particularly those representing concepts related to water and vegetation.
Swamp Cicada
The swamp cicada (Neotibicen tibicen tibicen) represents Ohio’s wetland specialist, inhabiting the marshy areas, swamp edges, and low-lying forests that characterize much of the state’s river valleys and lake regions. This adaptation to moisture-rich environments makes it unique among Ohio’s cicada species.
These medium-to-large cicadas measure 1.5 to 2.0 inches in length, displaying predominantly dark coloration that helps them blend with the shadowy environments they prefer. Their bodies show deep brown to black tones with subtle green highlights, while their wings appear slightly dusky with dark brown veining. The thorax often displays faint yellowish markings that become more pronounced in fresh specimens.
Important Note: Despite their name, swamp cicadas don’t actually live in standing water. They prefer the well-drained soils found on slightly elevated areas within wetland complexes.
Swamp cicadas show remarkable habitat specificity, requiring the unique conditions found in Ohio’s remaining wetland forests. These environments provide the specific soil moisture and tree species composition that support their extended underground development. Red maple, black ash, and elm trees serve as primary hosts, with nymphs requiring the consistently moist but not waterlogged soils typical of swamp edges.
The species demonstrates fascinating behavioral adaptations to their wetland environment. Their emergence timing often coincides with late summer water level changes, typically appearing when seasonal flooding recedes and soil conditions optimize. This timing, usually late July through early September, aligns with the natural hydrology of Ohio’s wetland systems.
Their call reflects their environment, consisting of a lower-pitched, more resonant buzz compared to upland species. The sound carries exceptionally well across water, allowing males to communicate across considerable distances in their often linear, corridor-like habitats along streams and lake edges.
Climate change and habitat loss have made swamp cicadas increasingly localized in Ohio. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining wetland forests, as these specialized habitats face ongoing development pressure.
Periodical Cicada – Brood X
The periodical cicada (Magicicada septendecim) of Brood X represents one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena, emerging in massive synchronized events every 17 years across Ohio. The most recent emergence in 2021 reminded Ohioans of the incredible spectacle these insects create when millions emerge simultaneously.
These distinctive cicadas measure 1.2 to 1.5 inches long, significantly smaller than most annual species but making up for size with sheer numbers. Their bodies display striking black coloration with bright red eyes and orange wing veins, creating an unmistakable appearance. The clear wings with prominent orange veining make them easily distinguishable from any annual cicada species.
Pro Tip: Brood X periodical cicadas emerge when soil temperature reaches exactly 64°F at an 8-inch depth, usually occurring in late April to early May in Ohio.
Brood X represents the largest periodical cicada emergence in Ohio, with population densities sometimes exceeding 1 million individuals per acre in prime habitats. The synchronized emergence serves as a survival strategy called “predator satiation” – producing so many individuals that predators cannot consume them all, ensuring reproductive success.
The 17-year life cycle involves spending nearly two decades underground as nymphs, feeding on tree root fluids while slowly developing. This extended development period allows them to avoid most predator cycles and weather pattern disruptions that might affect shorter-lived species.
| Brood X Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Body Length | 1.2-1.5 inches |
| Eye Color | Bright red |
| Wing Veins | Bright orange |
| Emergence Timing | Late April to early May |
| Peak Density | Up to 1 million per acre |
| Adult Lifespan | 4-6 weeks |
During emergence years, the sound becomes overwhelming in heavily infested areas. Males produce a loud, steady buzz that can reach 100 decibels when thousands call together. The collective chorus often makes normal conversation difficult outdoors during peak activity periods.
Periodical Cicada – Cassini
Periodical cicada (Magicicada cassini) emerges alongside septendecim as part of Brood X but produces distinctly different sounds and shows subtle physical variations. Named after astronomer Giovanni Cassini, this species adds complexity to the periodical cicada symphony during emergence years.
Cassini cicadas closely resemble septendecim in size and general appearance, measuring 1.2 to 1.5 inches with the characteristic black body and red eyes. However, careful observers can distinguish them by slightly broader heads and more robust thorax construction. The orange wing veining appears somewhat more prominent, and the overall body proportions appear slightly more compact.
The most reliable identification method involves their distinctive calls rather than visual characteristics. Cassini males produce a series of short, sharp “ticks” followed by a brief buzzing phrase, creating a rhythm distinctly different from septendecim’s continuous buzz.
Key Insight: During peak emergence periods, you can distinguish the three Brood X species by call alone: septendecim produces steady buzzes, cassini creates tick-buzz patterns, and septendecula makes distinctive “pharaoh” calls.
Cassini cicadas show interesting habitat preferences within the broader Brood X distribution. They often concentrate in areas with slightly different tree species composition, showing particular preference for areas with significant maple and oak components. This subtle habitat partitioning reduces direct competition with septendecim while maximizing overall Brood X success.
The emergence timing of cassini typically follows a slightly different pattern than septendecim, often beginning emergence a few days later and extending the overall Brood X emergence period. This temporal separation helps ensure successful mating by reducing acoustic interference between species during critical courtship periods.
Behavioral observations reveal that cassini males often position themselves lower in the tree canopy compared to septendecim, typically calling from 8-15 feet above ground rather than high in the crown. This vertical habitat partitioning allows both species to maximize their acoustic territory during the brief adult period.
Periodical Cicada – Septendecula
The periodical cicada (Magicicada septendecula) completes Ohio’s trio of Brood X species, distinguished by its unique “pharaoh” call that sounds remarkably like someone calling “pharaoh, pharaoh, pharaoh.” This distinctive vocalization makes it the most easily identified periodical cicada species by sound alone.
Septendecula cicadas share the same size range and basic appearance as their Brood X companions, measuring 1.2 to 1.5 inches with black bodies and bright red eyes. Visual identification proves challenging, though experienced observers note that septendecula individuals often appear slightly more slender with proportionally longer wings relative to body size.
Common Mistake: Many people assume all periodical cicadas sound identical, but septendecula’s “pharaoh” call is completely unlike the steady buzzes of septendecim or the tick-buzz pattern of cassini.
Septendecula typically represents the smallest population component of Brood X emergences, often comprising only 5-10% of total periodical cicada numbers in a given area. Despite lower numbers, their distinctive call ensures their presence doesn’t go unnoticed during emergence years.
The species demonstrates unique habitat preferences within Brood X territories, often concentrating in forest edge environments and areas with mixed canopy composition. They show particular association with areas containing significant understory development, utilizing smaller trees and shrubs more extensively than their relatives during the adult phase.
Timing patterns of septendecula emergence often differ subtly from the other Brood X species. They frequently begin calling earlier in the day and continue later into evening hours, creating dawn and dusk choruses that bookend the midday dominance of septendecim and cassini.
Pro Tip: Listen for septendecula’s “pharaoh” call during the quieter periods of Brood X emergences – early morning and late evening when other species reduce their activity.
The unique call structure serves important ecological functions beyond species recognition. The rhythmic “pharaoh” pattern appears to travel more effectively through dense forest understory, allowing septendecula males to communicate in the more cluttered acoustic environment of their preferred habitats.
Research suggests that septendecula’s population dynamics may be changing relative to the other Brood X species. Long-term monitoring indicates shifts in relative abundance patterns, possibly related to changing forest composition and land use patterns across Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Annual cicadas are most active from July through September during the warmest parts of summer days. Periodical cicadas emerge every 17 years (Brood X) during late April and May.
Cicadas don’t damage healthy trees. Adult females make small slits in branches to lay eggs, which may cause minor branch die-back but rarely harms established trees.
Each species has distinct patterns: dog-day cicadas create pulsating whirs, scissor grinders sound mechanical, and periodical cicadas have species-specific rhythms ranging from steady buzzes to “pharaoh” calls.
Larger species like robust cicadas produce louder calls, and periodical cicadas create overwhelming choruses through sheer numbers rather than individual volume.
Understanding Ohio’s nine cicada species transforms those summer soundscapes from simple background noise into a complex symphony of distinct voices.
Each species contributes its unique element to the state’s acoustic environment, from the reliable annual performers that mark summer’s progression to the spectacular periodical emergences that create once-in-a-generation natural events.
Next time you hear that familiar buzzing, you’ll know exactly which species is serenading your Ohio evening.
